PEARL HARBOR ATTACK

PRERNA FOR IAS

PEARL HARBOR ATTACK

1. Background of the Pearl Harbor Attack

The Pearl Harbor attack was the result of growing tensions between Japan and the United States before World War II. Japan was expanding its influence across Asia and required large amounts of oil and raw materials. In response to Japanese aggression, the United States imposed economic sanctions and restricted oil exports to Japan. Japanese leaders believed these measures threatened their military ambitions and national security. To remove American interference in the Pacific, Japan planned a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor. This decision ultimately changed the course of World War II and global history.

2. The Day of the Attack

On the morning of 7 December 1941, Japanese aircraft launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, a major U.S. naval base in Hawaii. The attack began at approximately 7:55 a.m. and came in two waves. Hundreds of Japanese planes targeted battleships, airfields, and military facilities. Explosions, fires, and destruction spread across the harbor within minutes. Many American soldiers were caught off guard because no formal declaration of war had been